Ethiopian Diaspora Celebration 2018
October 22, 2018
From September 2-3 the showcasing of the rich heritage and culture of Ethiopia took place at the Plano Event Center.
The event included many fun activities for kids. There was a face painting station where they painted ethnic tribal flags.
Near the end of the hall was a traditional coffee ceremony from Ethiopia that is cooked in a traditional kettle called a “Jebena” that was handed out to guests.
On the left of the picture is Michael Kebede who was one of many the many vendors selling t-shirts with traditional meanings and symbols.
“I’ve been making culture representing clothing for awhile because I want Ethiopians, especially the youth, to be able to represent their pride and the true beauty of the Ethiopian culture.” said Kebede.
Many other clothing vendors were detailed cultural clothing sold by Ethiopian women. These ranged from long church dresses to colorful head-wraps.
Ben Assefa (left) and Seyoum Abebe (right) made a specialized business that connects Ethiopians living here to those back home. Assefa and Abebe represent many cultural oriented business that attended this event.
Assefa believes it’s very important for the community here to stay connected through accurate information and engaging in the development of Ethiopia.
In the middle is Dex Beyene, the chairman of a non-profit organization for Texas-Ethiopian immigrants. He has worked closely to bring the community together as this event is celebrating all they’ve accomplished here and back home.
To the left is Addis Tebebu who is the executive director of social affairs of a non-profit. She has helped build communities for Ethiopians. On the right is Tarik Teferi, an organizers of this event who assists Ethiopian youth, who said this event is to award those of excellence. They are one of many important figures that attended this event.
Gelila Negesse
The night slowing began coming to end with a large group of dancers in traditional clothing whilst chanting classic tribal chants.
Towards the end during the opening ceremony, children joined in a traditional show including dancing and singing
The wrap up of this event was a crowd of Ethiopians all coming together in a group led prayer that gave grace for those who moved here from Ethiopia, for those still living in Ethiopia and for the prospering future of Ethiopia.
